Post by G TSome yahoo says he has the keyfob and a new key for the above. Says
someone just needs to get the key cut. A friend of mine was
unsuccessful getting a code for her car key from the dealer. What's
this guy not telling everybody?
TIA GT
By 2001 most vehicles had transponder keys, meaning that in addition to
the mechanical key there is an electronic chip inside the key that is
interrogated by the car. If the transponder code doesn't match the key
will turn but the car won't start.
Replacement key fobs are available from numerous sources that can be
programmed to match the car either by having an original key and doing
a sequence of steps with various switches in the car or with a
programmer. However the mechanical key still needs to be cut to operate
the physical lock.
So, two steps are needed to make an additonal key work. The transponder
needs to be programmed to the car (or the car programmed to match the
new transponder) and the key needs to be cut to match the mechanical
cuts on the original key.
If you buy a replacement transponder key and follow the steps to
program it, you'll still need to have the key cut on a key machine to
operate the mechanical lock.
Many newer keys require specialized key machines to cut the side
grooves. If your mechanical key looks like a standard key with the cuts
along the top and bottom of the blank, any hardware store can cut it to
match your existing key. If it's a side groove type, you may need to
take it to a locksmith that has the right equipment. Locksmiths make a
big profit on vehicle keys, but the programming equipment is expensive
especially if they're making a key with all originals lost, as are the
key machines for side-grooved keys. So expect to pay a premium to have
it cut in this case, more than the couple of bucks for a typical
duplicate key.
If you don't have an original working key expect to pay big bucks (at
least three figures) to have a new key originated that both matches the
transponder code and the mechanical lock.